I had bought this pattern to do leisurely once the baby was born but before you think I'm superwoman I will tell you I was working on it while I had all that waiting time (11 days overdue). All that was actually left was the clouds, which I've done in all the newborn napping time.

It is a wonderful sampler and I learnt a lot of new stitches, which I enjoyed doing. Some I'm better at than others but then that's half the point of making a sampler. I really love the finished result and will be framing this for the baby's room.

There has been no fabric sewing going on but I did receive this gorgeous bundle of yumminess from The Village Haberdashery. Annie is a superstar and I've ordered a few times from her fabulous shop so please take time to check it out. These are destined to become low volume shapes in my rose star quilt.

Finally here's what we're all focusing on at our house. Baby Lois is amazing and adorable and I'm basking in baby cuteness :)

after her first bath - that towel was mine as a baby and is super soft! I adore the stitched house

big brother is rather taken by the cot mobile and the 'magic' remote control!

Inspired by your last showing of Abel and being a bee mate of Nicole's, I ordered the Sailing Polar Bear (Zaki's choice)a couple of days ago and can't wait to get some DMC and start! Lois is ridiculously cute Lucy - enjoy her and your beautiful family!

What a great sampler :-) Your embroidery is the best. I had a stuffed pieced hot air balloon that hung in my room as a baby. Can't go wrong with hot air balloons. Your embroidered version is so much prettier and much more timeless. Instant heirloom :-)

She's beautiful Lucy! Congratulations. :) I also adore your stitch work. It looks like a fantastic way to make a fun sampler and have a beautiful piece (complete with a wee little mouse!) to display in Lois' room.

She's a beautiful baby! And so alert, wanting to know exactly what's going on. The stitchery is gorgeous. I thought the clouds were continents! There is one the shape of Australia, on the left hand side. Hehehe

Hello! I'm Lucy from Manchester, UK. A quilter and eternal optimist with miscellaneous style. I teach sewing and quilting classes, click here for info.Follow along to see my projects and get tips, patterns and tutorials.